Question

For this discussion, respond to the following... An electron falls through a distance d in a uniform electric field of magnitude E. Thereafter, the direction of the field is reversed (keeping its magnitude the same) and now a proton falls through the same distance. Compare, using quantitative reasoning, the time of fall in each case. Contrast this situation with that of objects falling freely under gravity. You will also need to post a response to at least two of your classmates' posts. Also, make sure that your response(s) are substantial and consist of at least 25 words.

Answer 1

The electron should experience a greater acceleration due to it's significantly smaller mass and should fall through distance "d" in a shorter amount of time.

Explanation:

The electron force can be expressed as F=qE. According to Newton's second law of motion force can be expressed as F=ma. This can be written as a=F/m. Substituting electric force expression for "F" in this equation, we get a=qE/m. This means acceleration is conversely proportional to mass and directly to electric field and charge. This means that proton having significantly larger mass than electron should experience smaller amount of acceleration and would take longer to fall at distance "d".

On the other hand, the electron would experience greater acceleration due to it's significantly smaller mass and would fall faster at distance "d", unlike the situation of proton.